Chains, earrings, necklaces coming to high school baseball, softball in 2023

Jewelry is coming to high school baseball and softball in 2023, which means players will be copying their professional counterparts after the baseball and softball rules committees for the National Federation of State High School Assns. removed the prohibition of jewelry starting next year.

So it might be commonplace for pitchers to wear gold chains to clutch after strikeouts, or hitters to enter the batter’s box with earrings and necklaces.

“They’ll try to mimic the pros,” La Mirada High sophomore baseball player Aiden Aguayo said.

Most jewelry will be permitted, but the rules committee noted that any jewelry that poses harm or injury to another player should be removed.

Coaches will also be allowed to wear jewelry.

JSerra baseball coach Brett Kay said his star pitcher, Matt Champion, should be among the first to show off his jewelry collection, with a flair for gold chains.

All-City pitcher Oscar Lopez of El Camino Real said he will consider bringing out his chain collection.

“I have a couple of chains,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have some fashion out there. Maybe not. I think it’s a big part for players. They like the fashion, they like the jewelry.”

Of course, some coaches may still prohibit their players from wearing jewelry. But most are expected to let them make a fashion statement as long as they don’t lose focus or change the team aspect of baseball.

“It brings out a little swag in players,” Lopez said.

Softball coach Peter Ackermann of Oaks Christian said his players will be wearing the same jewelry that they usually wear while at school, including earrings and necklaces.